Pole handling device



Dec. 3, 1963 I J. A. PODLESAK 3,112,830

- POLE HANDLING DEVICE Filed Oct. 17, 1961 v 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.JOHN A. PODLESAK Dec. 3, 1963 J. A. PODLESAK POLE HANDLING DEVICE 5Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 17, 1961 INVENTOR. Joy/v A. Pammaz J94;Arm/avers.

Dec. 3, 1963 J. A. PODLESAK POLE- HANDLING DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 FiledOct. 17. 1961 M a 5 w o c. E T L N W m M k A Q Q A N w H. W. W J Mm k WDec. 3, 1963 J. A. PODLESAK POLE HANDLING DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 FiledOct. 17, 1961 INVENTOR.

Jo /v A PODLESAK BY a,, W A rra/emsr s Dec. 3, 1963 J. A. PODLESAK POLEHANDLING DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 17. 1961 III/I) INVENTOR Jo/v A, poms/4x! Armelvzrs United States Patent 3,112,830 IPGLE HANDLKNGDEVICE john A. Podiesak, San Leandro, Calif., assignor to Utility BodyCompany, a corporation of California Filed Oct. 17, 1961, Ser. No.145,664 2 Claims. (Cl. 214-49) This invention relates generally to agrappling apparatus for handling utility poles and similar objectsduring installation.

A primary object of the invention is to provide an apparatus designed topick up an object such as a utility pole located in a horizontalattitude either on the ground or on a conveyance, and elevate and tiltthe object to a vertical attitude for placement in a prepared hole.

Another object of the invention is to provide a poweroperated polegrappling apparatus whereby the attitude of the pole may be controlledin two planes at right angles to each other, allowing manipulation inall directions.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a power-operatedpole handling appanatus affixed to an adjustable boom, wherein astationary operator may control the manipulation of the boom as well asthe positioning of the pole relative to the boom in two separate planesfor universal position control.

An additional object of the invention is to incorporate into a grapplingapparatus a mechanism which permits the guided rotation of a verticallyaligned pole about its longitudinal (axial) centerline utilizing normalgravitational force.

Generally, the invention comprises a pair of spaced, aligned,individually operated sets of overlapping jaw elements mounted adjacentan arcuate guide plate to permit dual three-point grasping contact of atapered pole, the jaws being mounted at the opposing ends of a crossbeam member rotatably mounted on a tiltable frame attached to anextensible derrick boom.

In the accompanying drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of the pole handling apparatus mounted on avehicle and showing alternative positions in broken lines.

*IGURE 2 is a rear view of the vehicle and apparatus showing the methodof vertical alignment.

FIGURE 3 is a side elevation of the handling apparatus in a pick-upposition.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged detail view of the handling apparatus withportions cut away.

FIGURE 5 is an end view of the pick up apparatus on a larger scale, partcutaway and sectional, illustrating several operational positions of thejaws in broken lines.

FIGURE 6 is a plan view taken on line 66 of FIG- URE 5, rotated 180 forconvenience of illustration.

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged, perspective view of the pole grasping jaws andactuating linkage.

FiGURE 8 is a section on line S8 of FIGURE 4 showing the pivotalmounting of the cross beam assembly.

FIGURE 9 is a simplified plan view of the assembly in a maximum pivotedposition with the support frame partially cut away to show the operatinglinkage.

FIGURE 10 is a transverse sectional view of the operating linkage andmethod of mounting.

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of the linkage.

FIGURE 12 shows the underside of one of the arcuate bearing plates withits spiral guide element.

A pole grappling apparatus designated generally as 19,

Patented Dec. 3, 1963 is designed to pick up and position a utility pole11 or similar object. In the configuration shown herein, hydraulicpowered cylinders have been illustrated as the power mechanisms foractuating the various moving parts under the remote control of anoperator adjacent the support vehicle. Fluid lines have not been shown,these being conventional. Other power mechanisms may be substituted toprovide equivalent mechanical movement of the parts.

In normal use the apparatus is mounted on a telescopic boom generally 12having an outer extensible section 13 and a main, non-extensible section14 pivoted at 16 to a support structure 17. A hydraulic cylinder 18 isprovided for elevating and lowering the boom 12 and structure 17 isrotatably mounted on a platform 19 rigidly supported on vehicle 21.Retractable outrigger members 22 are built into the chassis of vehicle21 and are utilized to stabilize the vehicle. A bracket assembly 23provides for stowage of the boom and attached grappling assembly whennot in use. In the event that the pole being handled is of greater thannormal length, an assist cable 24 may be attached around the upper endof pole 11 as at 26 and through operation of winch 27 the pole may beelevated to a vertical position where it may be handled more readily bythe grappling apparatus alone.

The grappling assembly 10 comprises a first support frame 31 pivotallyattached to the distal end of extensible boom 13 and has a hydrauliccylinder unit 32 for position control. A cross beam assembly or secondframe 33 supporting two sets of grasping jaws is rotatably mounted atthe midpoint of frame 31 and a hydraulic cylinder 36 controls therotation of beam assembly 33 relative to frame 31 through linkagegenerally 37. The design illustrated permits approximately 20 of travelin either direction away from the boom axis. This controlled movementpermits accurate vertical positioning of the pole regardless of theposition of the supporting vehicle, as illustrated in FIGURE 2.

The support frame assembly 31 includes a central channel member 41having affixed to its base, as by welding, a rectangular plate 42 withan upturned flange 43 on each long side (see FIGURES 4 and 5). Verticaltriangularshaped extension plates 44, together with reinforcing backupplate 46, are welded to the outer end of channel 4-1 on each flange toprovide support for hubs 47, providing for pivotal mounting of frame 41around boom 13 A fianged bracket 48 (see FIGURES 3 and 5), bolted to theupper surface of boom 13 has a bore 49 therethrough for receiving apivot shaft SI. Bushings 52 are installed in hubs 4'7 and nuts 53 andwashers secure the shaft. A plurality of spaced gusset plates 54 arewelded in position between the outer flanges 43 and sides of channel 41and serve as reinforcements to rigidize the entire frame assembly 31. Agenerally Z-shaped cross member 56 (see FIGURES 4 and 5) is weldedbetween the sides of channel 4-1 to support a pair of lugs 57. A pivotpin 58 passes through lugs 57 to attach piston rod end 59' of hydrauliccylinder 32. A second bracket member 61 is bolted to the lower surfaceof boom 13 and provides for the attachment of clevis end 62 of cylinder32 through pivot pin 63. A shaft member 66 (see FIGURES 4 and 8) isaffixed to the bottom of support frame assembly 31 .at its center. Shaft66 is journalled in bearing assembly 67 in cross beam assembly 33 topermit rotation relative to the support frame 31 as will be described ingreater detail later.

The cross beam assembly 33 includes an elongated structural member '71supporting the sets of jaws 34 at its two ends. Member 71 comprises apair of spaced channel elements 72 with flanges facing outwardly, towhich are welded transverse end plates 73 and secondary plates 73 whichcooperate to support the jaws 34. The bearing assembly 67 for receivingshaft 66 in frame 31 and a second bearing assembly 76 for supporting therotating linkage '37, as well as a plurality of reinforcing tie plates,are made an integral part of structure 71. An arcuate guide plate 77 isWelded into position between the bottom extremities of end plates 73 andsecondary plates 74 to provide a concave bearing surface whichcooperates with jaws 34 to provide three-point pole support at each endof cross beam 33. Hub elements 78 affixed to the lower corners of plates73 and 74 provide pivotal support for jaws 34 mounted on bolts 79.

Each jaw assembly 34 includes a tapered jaw 81 and an open-ended jaw 82designed to permit over-lapping or nesting of the two jaws for completeencirclement of a pole during handling. The drawing of FIGURE 5 indash-dot lines illustrates the position of the jaws about a pole ofsmall diameter. Jaw 81 comprises a pair of generally crescent-shapedspaced plates 83 rigidly affixed to a hub element 84 bridged by anintermediate plate 86 and a lower tip plate 87. It will be noted inFIGURE 7 that side plates 83 converge at their lower ends. A reinforcingplate 88 is welded to the outer face of each plate 83 for increasedstrength and an eye 89 is provided at the top for attachment of anoperating linkage. Jaw 82 is similar in basic construction to jaw 81except that the pair of plates 91 are located in a parallel spacedrelationship on a hub 92 and a single transverse plate 93 is utilized. Apair of reinforcing plates 94 is added to the inner face of plates 91and arcuate strips 96 are welded to the outer faces in the lower halffor stiffening and to increase the area of contact of the jaw edges withthe pole. Eyes 97 at the top of plates 91 provide for attachment of theoperating linkage. A hydraulic cylinder 101 is provided for poweroperation of each set of jaws through connecting linkages 102. Eachlinkage 102 comprises a pair of shaped parallel links 103 welded at oneend to a transverse channel element 104 incorporating a pair of holedlugs 106 for attachment of the ends of operating cylinder 101 with pivotpins 107. The opposite ends of each link 103 are connected to the eyes89 and 97 of the jaw members 81 and 82, respectively, with bolts 108.Thus, extension of the piston rod of cylinder 101 forces the jaws 34 torotate to a closed or grasping position and, conversely, retraction ofcylinder 101 opens the jaws. An opening 109 in the web of each channel72 allows installation and limited movement of cylinder 101.

The rotative connection between support frame 31 and cross beam assembly33 is designed to provide a high degree of stability and comprises acentral pivot 111 and a thrust-carrying slide-bearing assembly 112 atboth ends of support frame 31. The pivot assembly 111 is best seen inFIGURE 8 and comprises a flanged shaft 66 with its upper end insertedinto and welded to a tie plate 113, plate 42, and channel member 41.Shaft 66 is journalled in bearing assembly 67 having sleeve bushings 114located in a hub member 116 afiixed to the structural member 71. Upperand lower thrust washers 117 and lock nut 118 complete the assembly.

The slide bearing assemblies 112 include a rectangular plastic plate 121held between guide strips 122 mounted on top of a reinforcing tie plate123 welded across the channels 72. A pair of elongated polygonal plates124 (see FIGURE 4) welded to the bottom surface of plate 42 at each endprovide a smooth bearing surface for plastic plates 121, thus permittingrotati-ve movement of cross beam 33 relative to frame 31, as previouslyset forth.

The interconnecting drive linkage 37 comprises essentially a main pivotshaft 126, a double-ended lever arm 127, links 128 with integral studs129 and a drive lever 131. Shaft 126 is journalled in bearing assembly76, in line with but spaced from central pivot 111 in cross beamassembly 33. Bearing 76 includes a hub member 132 incorporating a pairof sleeve bushings 133. Hubs 132 are structurally aflixed to channels 72through intermediate reinforcing plates 134 and an aperture 136 isprovided in one channel 72 to permit movement of drive lever 131. Leverarm 127 is keyed or otherwise afiixed to the upper end of shaft 126 anddoubled link members 128 are pivotally attached to the opposing ends ofarm 127 by pins 137. Upstanding studs 129 on links 128 are journalled insleeve bearings 138 welded in position on support frame 31 between anauxiliary cross plate 139 and bottom plate 42. Thrust washers 141 andlock nuts 14-2 secure the studs. Operating lever 131 is pivotallyconnected by pin 143 to the clevis end 144 on piston rod 146 of controlcylinder 36. The opposite end of cylinder 36 is supported on pivot pin147 which passes through a pair of spaced lugs 148 welded to thevertical web of channel 72. The geometry of linkage 37 is designed toaugment the force of cylinder 36 and to provide positive control of themovement of cross beam assembly 33.

Provision is made for supplementary rotational movement of the poleabout its own longitudinal axis when located in a vertical attitude topermit positioning especially when the pole is preassembled with one ormore cross bars attached prior to erection. To accomplish this movement,a spiral element 149 of half-round section is welded to the underside ofarcuate guide plate 77. The spiral element 149 provides for morepositive gripping contact with the pole during handling and also permitsthe operator to rotate a vertically aligned pole by slowly releasing thejaws sufficiently to allow slippage while still retaining guidance. Theconfiguration of the element 149 causes the pole to rotate in aclockwise direction as it is lowered into the prepared hole. Thus, it isobvious that an operator situated remotely from the pole handlingapparatus can effectively control the movement and positioning of thepole in all directions.

I claim:

1. Grappling apparatus for handling utility poles and the likecomprising:

(a) a boom having power means in association therewith for raising andlowering the distal end thereof;

(b) a support frame assembly for a pair of jaws secured to the saiddistal end of the said boom;

(0) a pair of jaws pivotally secured to the said support frame;

(d) power means in association with said jaws for pivoting said pair ofjaws through two perpendicular planes;

(e) power means for opening and closing said jaws;

(f) and a spiral flange mounted to said frame within the areacircumscribed by said jaws for cooperation with said jaws whereby toprovide means for rotating a utility pole or the like gripped by thesaid jaws when the said pole or the like is permitted to slip downwardlythrough the said jaws under the influence of gravity.

2. Grappling apparatus for handling utility poles and the likecomprising:

(a) a straight boom having power means in association therewith forraising and lowering the distal end thereof;

(b) a support frame assembly for a pair of jaws, said frame assemblybeing pivotally secured about a first horizontal pivot axis to the saiddistal end of the said boom at the end of said frame assembly which isuppermost when said boom is raised, whereby said frame may pivotoutwardly from the bottom thereof to form an acute angle with the saidboom;

(c) power means for pivoting said bottom of said frame outwardly fromsaid boom;

(d) a second frame pivoted to said first frame about a second pivot axisto said first frame, said second pivot aXis being substantiallyperpendicular to said first pivot axis;

(2) power means for pivoting the said second frame about the secondpivot axis;

(f) cooperating jaws mounted on said second frame for pivotal movement;

(g) power means for opening and closing said jaws;

(h) and a spiral flange mounted to said second frame within the areacincumscribed by said jaws for cooperation with said jaws, whereby toprovide means for rotating a utility pole or the like gripped by thesaid jaws when the said pole or the like is permitted to slip downwardlythrough said jaws under the influence of gravity.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

1. GRAPPLING APPARATUS FOR HANDLING UTILITY POLES AND THE LIKECOMPRISING: (A) A BOOM HAVING POWER MEANS IN ASSOCIATION THEREWITH FORRAISING AND LOWERING THE DISTAL END THEREOF; (B) A SUPPORT FRAMEASSEMBLY FOR A PAIR OF JAWS SECURED TO THE SAID DISTAL END OF THE SAIDBOOM; (C) A PAIR OF JAWS PIVOTALLY SECURED TO THE SAID SUPPORT FRAME;(D) POWER MEANS IN ASSOCIATION WITH SAID JAWS FOR PIVOTING SAID PAIR OFJAWS THROUGH TWO PERPENDICULAR PLANES; (E) POWER MEANS FOR OPENING ANDCLOSING SAID JAWS; (F) AND A SPIRAL FLANGE MOUNTED TO SAID FRAME WITHINTHE AREA CIRCUMSCRIBED BY SAID JAWS FOR COOPERATION WITH SAID JAWSWHEREBY TO PROVIDE MEANS FOR ROTATING A UTILITY POLE OR THE LIKE GRIPPEDBY THE SAID JAWS WHEN THE SAID POLE OR THE LIKE IS PERMITTED TO SLIPDOWNWARDLY THROUGH THE SAID JAWS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF GRAVITY.